Cotswold Way - Footpaths of The World Lodging: Upscale English B&Bs Best Season: Spring. Baby lambs, green grass and not so many tourists Highlights: The towns of Chipping Camden and Broadway at the beginning and of course, beautiful Bath. Cotswold Way The Cotswold Way, one of England’s many long-distance footpaths, runs 97 miles from Chipping Campden to the beautiful city of Bath. The route is rich in history, gentle countryside and charming villages made from the creamy Cotswold stone. These “picture postcard” villages are what give the Cotswold its identity. The route traces a limestone escarpment that faces west and is seldom far from civilization and is generally easy to follow. For history lovers the attractions are many. In remote settings are barrows where Neolithic tribes buried their leaders as well as Norman churches and religious institutions such as Hailes Abbey. After the Normans, England became known worldwide for its excellent wool and nowhere was that wealth more apparent than in the Cotswolds. Many rich wool merchants built lovely homes in such towns as Chipping Campden and Painswick.

It may not be the center of the world’s wool market today, but sheep are still important and part of the landscape. Apart from picturesque villages, the Cotswold Way takes the walker through green countryside, through deep forest and along the limestone path to its destination in the glorious city of Bath. What a fitting finale it is. You find yourself out in the country, then over a rise and there it is. To finish in Bath is to finish in style. Don’t be in a hurry to leave as Bath provides much in history, architecture and culture. In essence, it’s a great place to celebrate your accomplishment. Book your lodging well ahead since this is a popular area for walkers and sight-seers alike especially in the summer. HOW IT STACKS UP If you love green grass, lots of woods, charming “Miss Marple” villages, gentle countryside and easy to moderate trails, this is what you’ll find in the Cotswold. I did find it a bit too near civilization in the middle, but don’t let that deter you. This is a fairly easy route to follow and is easy on the eyes. The Cotswold is popular with tourists and walkers alike and there is ample lodging.

It is more expensive than other parts of England and definitely more upscale although our most memorable night was in a large estate house that seemed to be keeping itself afloat by offering lodging to walkers. The place was huge. With all it’s past grandeur, it was cluttered, not exactly clean and lacked a lot of amenities such as working lightbulbs. Still, it was fun. I wouldn’t have wanted to stay there a week, but one night was an adventure. Resource: Walking in the country: Chipping Camden to Broadway Tower (The Cotswold Way 1) Chipping Camden to Broadway Tower (The Cotswold Way 1) Chipping Camden Town Hall Today, after a good deal of discussion, we began the Cotswold Way, which we are going to walk, over however long a period it takes, with our friends Merv and Pud. It runs from Chipping Camden to Bath - a distance of 102 miles - so it could take a while. The Way begins by the Town Hall. It turns out that when we did our one previous walk in Chipping Camden we had actually walked its initial section - there are also a couple of nice pictures of the market hall and church, and later of Dover Hill.

We knew we were on the Cotswold Way, but not that it was the actual start. I don't know where we thought it did start. You walk down the high street, turn right by the catholic church and begin a long but reasonably gentle climb up to Kingcomb Lane and then on to Dover's Hill. On the way up our target for today, Broadway Tower, was visible off to the left. The view south from Kingcomb Lane was also very agreeable for its subtle changes of colour and shading. We walked along the edge of the Cotswold scarp at Dover's Hill (230m) and enjoyed the wide open views across the Vale of Evesham. We then walked along a field edge and soon entered a long wide grassy drive - the Mile Drive, presumably an old drove road. Like so many other places this year it was thickly carpeted with dandelions. Then the path led us to the picnic area at Fish Hill on the A44. We crossed and began the climb up Broadway Hill towards the Broadway Tower. Soon there were fine views to the west with Bredon Hill visible across the Vale of Evesham and the Malverns just discernible behind it.

And then we passed through a winding valley, embellished with sheep, to reached today's destination: the Broadway Tower. The Tower (312m above sea level) was built in 1799 as a folly for the 6th earl of Coventry by James Wyatt. It is a six sided structure with towers at alternate corners. One of the later tenants was Cormel (Crom) Price a close friend of William Morris, who stayed there with his family. (A full account is available on the Broadway Tower website ). Map: Explorer OL45 (The Cotswolds). Conditions: dry, sunny, warm. Distance: 5 miles, or perhaps a bit less. A gentle introduction. At this rate it will take us at least 2 years to do the whole thing, so perhaps in the future we will have to push on a bit further. Rating: four stars. A wonderful introduction to the Cotswold Way. Flowers of the day Circular walks along the Cotswold Way Home » Walking » Walking Routes in the Cotswolds » Cotswold Way National Trail Cotswold Way National Trail Just over 100 miles of quintessentially English countryside.

Follow the Cotswolds escarpment with its stunning views and charming villages from the beautiful Cotswold market town of Chipping Campden in the north to the World Heritage City of Bath in the south. The Cotswold Way is a long distance walking trail that runs between the market town of Chipping Campden in the north and the city of Bath in the south. The trail is 102 miles (164 km) long, and runs for most of its length on the Cotswold escarpment. It passes through many picturesque villages and close to a significant number of historic sites, for example the Roman heritage at Bath, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey and many beautiful churches and historic houses. The Cotswold Way has existed as a promoted long distance walk for over 30 years. Following many years of lobbying by the Ramblers Association and others, its special qualities have been recognised and in 1998 the government approved its development as a National Trail. The Cotswold Way was formally launched as a National Trail in May 2007.

This designation is a very special one and there are only a few other trails in England with this special grading. Further information about the Cotswold Way can be found at: Circular walks along the Cotswold Way 1. Chipping Campden This delightful short walk leads you through the charmingly English market town of Chipping Campden, around shaded woodlands and past breathtaking views. A wonderful introduction to the Cotswolds, and a perfect start to the Cotswold Way. Distance: 4½ miles (Short cut: 3 miles) Duration: 2½ -3½ hrs (Short cut: 1½-2½ hrs) Difficulty: Moderate, some steep sections (Short cut: Easy, avoids climbs) Download the walk > 2. Broadway and the Tower This enchanting walk leads you through the picturesque Cotswold high street of Broadway, along historic tracks and up to the intriguing Broadway Tower with its spectacular views across the Severn Vale into Wales. The perfect chance to taste a little more of all the Cotswolds has to offer. Distance: 4 miles Duration: 2½ -3 hrs Difficulty: Moderate, some steep sections and stiles Download the walk > 3.

Stanton, Snowshill and the Edge This beauty of a walk leads you between two of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, over hilltops, down valleys and through shaded woodlands. Whilst slightly more challenging than others in the series, your efforts will be rewarded by invitingly warm pubs and some of the most splendid views in the country. Distance: 6 miles (Short cut 2½ miles) Duration: 3½ -4½ hrs (Short cut 1½ - 2½ hrs) Difficulty: Moderate, some steep sections and stiles. Muddy sections after wet weather. PLEASE NOTE Point 3 on the map has changed as the turning circle referred to has sine been removed. So instead of Turn right along the road to Snowshill and head down the wide path sharp left, opposite the turning circle. Keep right to enter the National Trust wood, and some 50m further down turn right. Follow this path, keeping straight......... The guidance should now be: Turn right along the road to Snowshill and after some 50m head down the wide path sharp left, opposite new gates. Keep right to enter the National Trust wood, and some 50m further down turn right.

Follow this path, keeping straight..... We hope to update the downloadable guide shortly to cover this. Download the walk > 4. Winchcombe and Belas Knap This scenic and interesting little walk takes you from the delightfully unspoilt town of Winchcombe, along Cotswold Way routes old and new, and up to one of the area’s most intriguing ancient monuments - A combination of history and scenery that will leave you eager to discover more of the National Trail and the inspirational landscape through which it runs. Distance: 5¼ miles (Short cut route 3½ miles) Duration: 3 – 4 hrs (Short cut 2 - 3 hrs) Difficulty: Moderate, some steep sections and stiles Download the walk > 5. The Cleeve Hill Ring This breathtaking walk leads you over open hilltops, across streams and through woodlands, immersing you in one of the country’s most fascinating and precious habitats – limestone grassland. Over half of this wildflower and butterfly rich natural resource is within the Cotswolds and some of the finest examples are on Cleeve Common.

The unsurpassed views along this route therefore, are the perfect backdrop for getting even closer to the outstanding natural beauty of the Cotswold Way. Distance: 6 miles (Shorter route 4 miles) Duration: 3½ – 4½ hrs (Shorter: 2 - 3 hrs) Difficulty: Moderate, no stiles but some steep sections (Shorter: Easy, no stiles and mostly level) Download the walk > 6: The Leckhampton Loop This walk guides you around one of the most beautiful and varied stretches of the Cotswold Way. From rich grassland to peaceful woodlands, from Iron-Age remains to Victorian quarries, this route offers up a taste of the entire Cotswold landscape in 4 ½ sheltered and windswept miles. Distance: 4 ½ Download the walk > 8: The Selsley Circuit This extremely popular walk is one of the easiest to follow, winding its way along the National Trail for nearly all of its length. From sheltered beech woodlands and over rich open grassland, it guides you around remnants of an industrial past that shaped the landscape we love today.

Wander between the grandeur of Victorian mills alongside the sleepy beauty of the waterway, and discover a timeless journey between past and present that reveals yet another face of the glorious Cotswolds. Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Moderate - Three stiles, some steep sections. New Diversion from the Selsley Circular Walk (formerly the King’s Stanley Round) Walkers following the Circular Walk from King’s Stanley across Selsley Common and the walk downhill to the pedestrian controlled crossing over the A419. This was formerly a railway line known for the “Dudbridge Donkey”. Then walkers turn westwards along the tarmac cycle track through the community orchard towards Ryeford. After 0.3 miles along this cycle track there is now a choice. Continue along the tarmac route to Ryeford or look for a metal kissing gate on the right to take you across a water meadow to the canal towpath. The towpath is reached by following the green waymarking discs through some new houses to a waymark post on the towpath. If you wish, it is interesting to turn right to walk to Ebley Mill.

However, if short of time, turn left and follow the canal westward, passing the double locks, and re-joining the original Cotswold Way on the bridge at Ryeford Road. Here, a signpost directs walkers south to King’s Stanley or north to Painswick. Download the walk > (note this has not yet been updated to include the diversion above): 9: Cam Long Down and Uley The incredible variety of the Cotswold Way is once again explored by this stunning little walk. From woodland tracks to open hilltops, it leads you around the intriguing ancient history of Uley Bury to the more recent remains of a pestilent past. Even the few hillside climbs are rewarded by compass-wide views that spread out all around you back into the heart of the Cotswolds and across the Severn Estuary into Wales... Distance: 4 miles (shorter route: 1½ miles) Duration: 2½ - 3½ hours (shorter: ¾ - 1½ hours) Difficulty: Moderate to difficult – Some stiles, steps and steep sections.

Download the walk > 10: Wotton-under-Edge As rich farmland gives way to woodland tracks and rolling parkland, this enchanting walk leads you from scarp top to valley bottom, back into one of the Cotswold’s most charming and thriving small towns. With spectacular views, intriguing shops and historic architecture, all tastes will find something wonderful in this special little corner of the Cotswolds. Distance: 5 miles (6½ with detour to Newark Park) Duration: 3 - 4 hours (4 - 5 hours with detour) Difficulty: Moderate – Stiles and steep sections. Download the walk > 11. Old Sodbury - The Hill Fort and Church From the delightful village of Old Sodbury, follow the Cotswold Way up to the serenity of a medieval church, around oak-fringed farmland and along shaded paths to the breath-taking outcrop of an iron-age hillfort. Views, history, peace and rest all combine to make this simple little stroll a wonderful taster of the southern Cotswolds. Distance: 2½ miles Duration: 1½ - 2 hours Difficulty: Easy to moderate – no stiles, steepish slopes.

Download the walk > 12. Journey's End - The Walk into Bath Discover a true sense of pilgrimage with this wonderful walk into the heart of Bath and the southern end of the Cotswold Way. Follow the trail as it slides from open hill top into historic city, winding its way around open farmland and down bustling alleyways to its crescendo at the majestic splendour of Bath Abbey. Distance: 6 miles (linear – public transport return) Duration: 3½ -4 hours (plus max. ½ hr return) Difficulty: Moderate – one stile, some steep sections. Download the walk > Bruce Trail Friendship Trail – Beacons, Commons and Woods (Standish Wood, Harescombe Beacon and Pitchcombe Wood) This spectacular walk leads you along peaceful woodland tracks and out onto windswept hillsides with breath-taking views. A true jewel in the Cotswolds crown. Not only is is a stunning route, it is also twinned with an equally beautiful part of the Bruce Trail in Ontario , Canada as a mark of friendship and cooperation between our two trails. Distance: 6 miles Duration: 2 ½ -3 ½ hours Difficulty: Moderate – some stiles and moderate slopes.

Download the walk > The Cotswolds Korea Friendship Trail (Stinchcombe Hill near Dursley) The Cotswold Way has teamed up with South Korea’s Jeju Olle Trail to become one of the world’s first ‘friendship trails'. Follow this short walk around Stinchcombe Hill to experience one of the most beautiful meanderings of the Cotswold Way and discover a new world of walking on an island five thousand miles away. Click here to find out more ... Distance: 3½ miles (hill only route: 3 miles) Duration: 2 - 2½ hours (hill only: 1 ½ - 2 hours) Difficulty: Moderate – firm surface, no stiles, one long steep ascent / descent (Hill only: Easy – firm surface, no stiles, mostly level) Cotswold Walking Tours | Cotswold Walks | Macs Adventure Home > Walking Tours > UK > England > Cotswolds Cotswolds Walking Tours Expect quintessential England; landscapes of lush and green rolling hills, incredibly picturesque and pretty countryside, and charming villages scattered in between.

Whether you choose to walk the Cotswold Way , a National Trail, beginning in Chipping Camden and providing the opportunity to walk all the way to the great Roman city of Bath, or the Cotswold Trail , a circular walk that takes you through the delightful villages of Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water, which has the same starting and finishing point, you are sure to be completely spellbound with these captivating scenes. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds has pristine gardens, honey-colored cottages, castles, stately homes and ancient ruins. Whichever walking holiday you choose, from a short escape to Shakespeare's Way , they all include hand-picked accommodations, door to door luggage transfers, comprehensive information packs and route notes, maps and emergency support. 8 products, viewing 1 - 8 Cotswold Way - walking holidays and hiking tours in England Cotswold Way 6 to 13 walking days from £515 per person 4 to 6 walking days from £390 per person 4 to 7 walking days from £390 per person Experiencing the quintessentially English villages of the Cotswolds.

Following the Cotswold escarpment along the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds. The Views from Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds and in Gloucestershire. Testimonials "I'd been wanting to walk the Cotswold Way for ages and finally did it. It was terrific and every aspect of Contours' organization helped facilitate a really good experience." - Ms Blaker. USA Chipping Campden to Bath along the Cotswold escarpment.

Total Distance 19th March to 29th October click on a photo to enlarge 7 nights, 6 days walking £515 per person 8 nights, 7 days walking £590 per person 9 nights, 8 days walking £665 per person 10 nights, 9 days walking £735 per person 11 nights, 10 days walking £810 per person 12 nights, 11 days walking £885 per person 13 nights, 12 days walking £960 per person 14 nights, 13 days walking £1030 per person £20 per person / per night You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops: Extra night (Standard) £55 per person / per night Extra night (Bath) £65 per person / per night Extra night (Cleeve Hill) £60 per person / per night Extra night (Dowdeswell) £60 per person / per night All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

The price that you pay includes: accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour. maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. Tour Code 7 nights, 6 days walking £590 per person 11 nights, 10 days walking £925 per person 12 nights, 11 days walking £1005 per person 13 nights, 12 days walking £1090 per person Daily Dog Charge £8 per dog / walking day Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, one of the following charges applies: £20 per person / per night You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops: Extra night (Standard) £60 per person / per night Extra night (Bath) £70 per person / per night Extra night (Cleeve Hill) £65 per person / per night Extra night (Dowdeswell) £65 per person / per night All of our prices are in British pounds (£).

Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. The price that you pay includes: accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour. maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. Don’t have the time for the complete walk? We also offer the Cotswold Way in two sections, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages. Cotswold Way - South Section - from Painswick to Bath Cotswold Way - North Section Chipping Campden to Painswick through the iconic towns and villages of the Northern Cotswolds. click on the map to enlarge Total Distance Availability 19th March to 29th October The North section of the Cotswold Way runs from the ancient market town of Chipping Campden to the quintessentially English village of Painswick. The trail passes through rolling countryside as it visits a series of pretty towns and villages, including the peaceful village of Stanton, built entirely of Cotswold Stone.

From here, the route reaches Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds and in Gloucestershire, before it continues to Dowdeswell, where earth-works still exist from battles fought in the wars of Charles I. Completed in less than 6 days, the North section of the trail is the perfect way to experience the beautiful countryside of the Cotswold Way. Holiday Highlights The variety of scenery, from rolling green fields and dry-stone walls to historic battlefields and burial mounds. Experiencing the picturesque towns and villages on route to Painswick, including Chipping Campden, Stanton and Dowdeswell. Enjoying the views from the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill. click on a photo to enlarge Availability 19th March to 29th October The South section of the Cotswold Way begins in Painswick and continues along the Cotswold Escarpment until its end in the magnificent city of Bath. From the pretty English village of Painswick, the trail takes in a series of picturesque villages, including King’s Stanley and Wotton-under-Edge, where buildings have remained virtually unchanged since the Victorian period.

As the trail continues, hugging the slope of the Cotswold escarpment, the area’s rich history is revealed as the trail crosses Sodbury Fort, close to the tiny village of Old Sodbury. From here, the walk crosses a mixture of scenery, from open farmland to peaceful woodland as it makes its way to Bath. The famous ‘Circus,’ of regency terraces and Roman bath house are not to be missed on this spectacular end to the South Section of the Cotswold Way. Holiday Highlights Experience the tranquillity along this charming trail through the heart of the Cotswolds. Visiting the ancient Inns in the market town of Wotton-under-Edge. The sense of achievement on reaching the city of Bath, a World Heritage Site. Testimonials "First time in England. The walk was just wonderful. Guide material was perfect, housing excellent. Went off like clockwork. Totally enjoyable. All very easy and wonderful." - Mr Nagy. USA "All eight of us had a great time. Beautiful scenery and villages, great food and everyone (including the weather) was very friendly and helpful. We would like to thank everyone who worked on our holiday for taking care of all the details.

All the accommodations were great, the luggage transfers worked beautifully and the instructions were good." - Ms Ketilson. Canada Route Description & Downloads | National Trails If you have feedback or a question about the Cotswold Way, please contact the Trail Manager Route Description & Downloads The Cotswold Way is a 102 mile (164Km) long National Trail running between the market town of Chipping Campden and the city of Bath. For most of its length it follows the Cotswold escarpment giving wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. 1. Chipping Campden to Broadway - 6 miles (9.6 Km) The journey along the Cotswold Way starts in the beautiful, historic market town of Chipping Campden. After leaving the town, the Trail takes you out on to the Cotswolds escarpment with stunning views from Dover’s Hill, where the annual ‘Olimpick’ games are held. The walk continues across the fields to Broadway Tower and then down into the village of Broadway with its historic connections with the Arts & Crafts movement. This section has 567 feet (173 metres) of ascent and 790 feet (241 metres) of descent. 2.

Broadway to Wood Stanway - 6.5 miles (10.5 Km) From Broadway, the Cotswold Way climbs up onto the escarpment, following broad tracks to the Iron Age hill fort of Shenberrow Camp. The Trail then descends into the unspoilt Cotswold village of Stanway. After the village, the walking becomes easy across the level parkland of the Stanway Estate, with its Jacobean manor and the highest gravity fed fountain in Europe. This section finishes in the hamlet of Wood Stanway. There are 813 feet (248 metres) of ascent and 715 feet (218 metres) of descent on this section. 3. Wood Stanway to Winchcombe - 5.4 miles (8.8 Km) The third section starts with a steep climb up from Wood Stanway onto the escarpment where you will be rewarded by magnificent views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malverns. Passing the Iron Age hill fort of Beckbury Camp, you then descent to Hailes with its ruined abbey and little church.

The Trail then continues through farmland into the Cotswold town of Winchcombe along the curiously named Puckpit Lane. This section has 564 feet (172 metres) of ascent and 679 feet (207 metres) of descent. 4. Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill - 5.6 miles (9 Km) The National Trail leaves Winchcombe through the Sudeley Estate, climbing steadily along field paths up to the ancient Neolithic long barrow of Belas Knap. The route then follows a path steeply down through Breakheart Plantation past Postlip Hall before climbing again to the Golf Club House at Cleeve Hill. This section has 1082 feet (330 metres) of ascent and 476 feet (145 metres) of descent. 5. Cleeve Hill to Dowdeswell - 5.5 miles (8.9 Km) Heading south from Cleeve Hill, you are now on the highest part of the entire Trail. The route continues across Cleeve Common with extensive views over Cheltenham and far beyond.

The Cotswold Way then passes through Bill Smylie’s butterfly reserve and on to quiet lanes, before starting the descent through Dowdeswell Wood to the reservoir – one of the few places where the native white clawed crayfish can still be found. There are only 325 feet (99 metres) of ascent and 604 feet (249 metres) of descent on this section. 6. Dowdeswell to Leckhampton Hill - 4.7 miles (7.6 Km) From Dowdeswell, the Cotswold Way passes through Lineover Wood – a semi-natural broadleaved woodland, notable for its large leaved lime trees and magnificent ‘heritage’ beech. The route then climbs up to Wistley Plantation and on over farmland before descending to pass close to Seven Springs (believed by some to be the source of the Thames). The path then climbs again onto Charlton Kings Common with its breathtaking views across Cheltenham and the Severn Vale and follows the escarpment onto Leckhampton Hill – look out for the distinctive rock pillar known as the Devil’s Chimney.

There are 902 feet (275 metres) of ascent and 344 feet (105 metres) of descent on this section. 7. Leckhampton Hill to Birdlip - 5.6 miles (9 Km) After leaving Leckhampton Hill, the National Trail follows quiet tracks, lanes and paths into Crickley Hill Country Park, with its excellent viewpoints and information about the archaeological finds that indicate many periods of occupation. The Trail then crosses the undulating grassland of Barrow Wake before heading into woodland to emerge at Birdlip. You ascend and descend almost the same amount on this section – around 425 feet (130 metres). 8. Birdlip to Painswick - 8.6 miles (13.9 Km) From Birdlip, the Trail passes through magnificent semi-natural beech woodlands and on to Coopers Hill, the site of the annual cheese-rolling event. The route then emerges onto the common land and golf course of Painswick Beacon, where the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort can be clearly seen. The section then ends in the picturesque town of Painswick, the mid-point of the Cotswold Way.

You descend twice as far as you climb on this section, with 590 feet (180 metres) of ascent and 1066 feet (325 metres) of descent. 9. Painswick to King’s Stanley - 7.8 miles (12.6 Km) The Cotswold Way descends from Painswick to cross the Wash Brook before climbing again onto Edge Common – an open area of grassland with views back over Painswick. The Trail then plunges back into woodland emerging at Haresfield Beacon, and Iron Age hill fort with views of the escarpment and River Severn. The route then descends gently through Standish Woods, with beautiful displays of bluebell and wood anemone in the spring, to emerge into the Stroud Valleys through grass pastures. At the Stroudwater Navigation, there is a choice of routes. One option is to take the route alongside the canal and up over Selsley Common, and the other is to head through Kings Stanley.

There is more up and down on this section, 1033 feet (315 metres) of ascent and 1082 feet (330 metres) of descent to be precise. 10. King’s Stanley to Dursley - 7.2 miles (11.6 Km) From King’s Stanley, the route passes through the village of Middleyard before climbing up into Penn Wood where the two route options reconvene. The Cotswold Way then takes you through the woods on the edge of the escarpment to emerge at Coaley Peak – a picnic area with marvellous views. It then passes a disused quarry (the rock face clearly showing the underlying strata), before following another woodland path that eventually emerges into a valley with Cam Long Down ahead. The climb up is steep, but the reward is spectacular 360° views. The Trail then goes down into the valley at Farfield passing through farmland into the market town of Dursley. This section has 771 feet (235 metres) of ascent and 951 feet (290 metres) of descent. 11.

Dursley to Wotton-Under-Edge - 7.3 miles (11.8 Km); shortcut 4.8 miles (7.8 Km) Leaving Dursley, the Cotswold Way climbs steeply up onto Stinchcombe Hill. The best views here are to found by taking the longer route around the perimeter of the hill, as opposed to the shortcut across the neck of the hill from the golf club. The Trail then descends through woodland into farmland and follows a track into the village of North Nibley. From here there is another steep ascent to the Tyndale Monument before the route levels out across grassland and through woodland leading onto Wotton Hill. From a curious walled enclosure surrounding trees planted in 1815 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, the Trail then descends into the town of Wotton-Under-Edge. Ascent 835 feet (260 metres), descent 836 feet (255 metres). 12.

Wotton-Under-Edge to Hawkesbury Upton - 7.4 miles (11.9 Km) The Cotswold Way follows a stream out of Wotton-Under-Edge before climbing back up onto the escarpment, passing close to the National Trust property of Newark Park. The Trail then makes for the village of Alderley down a delightful sunken woodland track. From Alderley, the route passes through a peaceful valley where you can see remainders of Medieval ridge-and-furrow either side. On reaching Lower Kilcott, a clear millstream runs alongside the quiet road that the Cotswold Way follows. The Trail then climbs gently up to the Somerset Monument before heading towards the village of Hawkesbury Upton. This section has 984 feet (300 metres) of ascent and 623 feet (190 metres) of descent. 13. Hawkesbury Upton to Tormarton - 7.7 miles (12.4 Km) Passing an ancient drover’s pond, the Cotswold way follows Bath Lane south towards Horton.

Before reaching the National Trust property of Horton Court (probably the oldest vicarage in England), the Trail climbs up onto Horton Fort with extensive views opening out over the Severn Vale and beyond. The Trail then crosses farmland to the villages of Horton and Old Sodbury. From here the Cotswold Way passes through the wonderful Capability Brown parkland of Dodington Park before crossing the final few fields into the village of Tormarton. There are 476 feet (145 metres) of ascent and 590 feet (180 metres) of descent on this section. 14. Tormarton to Cold Ashton - 6.6 miles (10.6 Km) The Trail leaves Tormarton to the south along the Marshfield Road, then crosses arable land that eventually leads to a path passing round the perimeter wall of Dyrham Park - a William and Mary mansion nestling in an ancient deer park. From the village of Dyrham, the Trail climbs up through Dyrham Woods before continuing through farmland into the village of Cold Ashton.

There are 558 feet (170 metres) of ascent and 410 feet (125 metres) of descent on this section. 15. Cold Ashton to Bath - 10.2 miles (16.5 Km) The Cotswold Way leaves Cold Ashton and descends into the beautiful secluded valley at Lower Hamswell. The next climb takes you up to the site of the bloody civil war battle of Lansdown. From here the Trail levels out across the plateau, passing the promontory hill fort at Little Down and the famous Bath Racecourse. The path then emerges at Prospect Stile (now a kissing gate), where the first views of Bath can be glimpsed in the valley below. After the Trail passes through farmland and emerges into Weston, it changes in character, becoming more urban as the walk draws to a close. The Trail continues to offer glimpses of fine parks and regency architecture on its way to Bath Abbey, where a carved stone disc set into the pavement outside the ornate west doors marks the end of the Cotswold Way.

The last section of the trail takes you down 1312 feet (400 metres) and only ascends 738 feet (225 metres), not a bad way to end. Broadway to Chipping Campden Chipping Campden to Bidford on Avon The Walk This last six miles of the Cotswold Way might be tacked on to yesterday's walk from Winchcombe to Broadway, but it would make that walk a long one and would also not allow time to linger. Broadway and Chipping Campden are two of the gems of the Cotswolds and both are worth a couple of hours' exploration, and making this section a separate expedition allows sufficient time. It might also afford a good opportunity to take a look at Snowshill Manor, two miles south of Broadway. Broadway Tower is also on the route, and also repays a visit. This classic folly, which has seen a variety of occupiers and uses, is now the centre of a country park and is essentially a museum / exhibition venue in the hands of a private trust.

Much of the walk itself lays along the top of the Cotswold scarp straddling the Worcestershire / Gloucestershire boundary, and is partially wooded. A final viewpoint is provided at Dovers Hill, just short of Chipping Campden itself. Walk Statistics: This is the Cotswolds - Broadway Tower From Broadway Tower turn left, to take the path along the edge of the scarp northeastwards as far as the road at Fish Hill. Fish Hill A look back at the tower The Way follows the horrendously busy A44 Evesham - Chipping Norton road eastwards around a bend and then strikes off northeastwards across a virtually flat tableland. As you leave the road at the top of Fish Hill the Cotswold Way's short excursion through Worcestershire is over, and the remainder of the Way is back in Gloucestershire again. Fifty yards away from the road a copse of trees almost hides a topograph. This instrument doesn't really help much; it's too far from the top of the scarp to afford a decent view and functions more as a You Are Here map than anything else.

Around its circumference are plotted the directions and distances to various prominent towns; Cheltenham, Stratford, Tewkesbury, Cirencester, Stowe. It then gets silly and includes Bath, Cardiff and Birmingham; from the sublime to the ridiculous it then goes on to give the distances to London, Edinburgh, Paris, Rome, Sydney and New York. Long Hill The Cotswold Way, Long Hill Now that we're back in Gloucestershire the Cotswold Way gives the walker a taste of the Midlands by charging straight across a field of growing corn. The path crosses a minor road and continues across a second field, and then a third. At the subsequent field boundary the path passes through a small copse of trees and merges with a farm track called the Mile Drive. The Mile Drive The Mile Drive The Mile Drive runs, oddly enough, for about a mile. The surrounding scene is one of mixed farmland and woodland. The drive merges at its northeastern end with a minor road, that from Chipping Campden to Fish Hill. On the left side of the road is the extensive wood of Weston Park, while the valley of the Cam is beginning to open out to the right.

After some 400 metres you come to a lonely crossroads at which the Cotswold Way turns left for the viewpoint of Dover Hill. Dovers Hill Walk north about 300m from the crossroads and then turn right into the pasture at the top of Dovers Hill. It's the last (or the first, if you're walking from north to south) of the great Cotswold viewpoints. It's a superb spot, but unfortunately it is well known and is provided with a substantial car park. The crowds up here at weekends and on bank holidays can be wearisome. There's yet another topograph, and this one is particularly useful, pointing out the views across the Vale of Evesham to the Malverns beyond. Evesham should be well seen, and Stratford on Avon is out there somewhere. You can also see Meon Hill out to the northeast; that's on the route of the Heart of England Way and lies on tomorrow's walk. At the far side of the extensive hilltop pasture a stile gives access to a little track heading sharp right back down to the road.

Go left along the road for 100m and then turn right and continue along another track, which begins to head downhill. In about 400m the track passes a farm building and then comes to the first houses in Chipping Campden. Chipping Campden A Chipping Campden portfolio Chipping Campden is beautiful. An old wool town, its curved high street is lined with buildings of great character, just about all of them in Cotswold stone and many dating from the seventeenth century or even earlier. The Woolstaplers Hall dates from the fourteenth century. The town's side streets and residential roads, too, are invariably of charming Cotswold Stone cottages, some thatched, and invariably featuring lovingly tended gardens. In pride of place in the market square at the centre of town is the Market Hall, a structure consisting of arched walls and a roof that would originally have provided shelter for market stalls selling perishables. A discrete sign beside the market hall marks the end of the Cotswold Way. At the same point, the Heart of England Way begins its 85-mile journey around the eastern edge of the Birmingham conurbation.

Cotswold Way Cotswold Way Office Closure We are working over Christmas and New Year. However we will be closed from Monday 2 January 2017 through to Sunday 22 January 2017. During this time we will have limited access to emails and the office telephone will be directed to voicemail. Cotswold Way The Cotswold Way National Trail is a 102 mile long distance footpath along the Cotswold escarpment, from the heart of the English Cotswolds to the beautiful World Heritage City of Bath in Somerset. This popular trail takes you through quiet countryside as you follow a ridge with stunning views, past picturesque villages, beautiful churches and country houses. Along the way you can visit many historic sites including the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey and the Abbey and Roman Spa in Bath. The start of the trail in Chipping Campden is easily accessible from Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon. The terminus at Bath is on the railway line from London to Bristol. Regular walkers can complete the footpath in a week.

For those with less time to spare, the trail can be divided into two parts, with the mid point being at Stroud in Gloucestershire. Group Bookings Most people walk from north to south, starting at the High Street in Chipping Campden and finishing at Bath Abbey. Bath is a beautiful city with many historic attractions, restaurants and pubs. A night or two in the city is great way to end your trip. The walking distances each day will vary depending on the accommodation you choose each night. Large groups may need to use hotels and inns in towns and villages nearby. We can provide transport for the group between the trail and your accommodation. On all days there are country pubs to stop for lunch although a small diversion from the trail is usually needed. Alternatively the hotels and inns you stay with can provide a packed lunch, which you collect on departure. Our itineraries have overnight stops at good quality hotels and inns.

Chipping Campden to Bath Day 1 - Chipping Campden to Toddington - 11 miles / 18 kms Day 2 - Stanton to Cleeve Hill - 12 miles / 23 kms Day 3 - Cleeve Hill to Birdlip - 16 miles / 25 kms Day 4 - Birdlip to Stonehouse - 15 miles / 22 kms Day 5 - Stonehouse to Wootten under Edge - 15 miles / 22.5 kms Day 6 - Wootten Under Edge to Tormarton - 15 miles / 21 kms Day 7 - Tormarton to Bath - 16 miles / 20 kms Part 1: Chipping Campden to Stroud Day 1 - Chipping Campden to Toddington - 11 miles / 19 kms Day 2 - Stanton to Cleeve Hill - 12 miles / 23 kms Day 3 - Cleeve Hill to Birdlip - 16 miles / 25 kms Day 4 - Birdlip to Stroud - 17 miles / 22 kms Goring and Streatley train station has regular train connections to

 Oxford, Reading and London Paddington.

Part 2: Stroud to Bath Day 1 - Stroud to Wootten under Edge - 17 miles / 22.5 kms Day 2 - Wootten Under Edge to Tormarton - 15 miles / 21 kms Day 3 - Tormarton to Bath - 16 miles / 20 kms From the Beacon there is a 20 minute road walk to Ivinghoe village pub for a celebratory drink or a 3.5 mile walk back along the trail to Tring train station. The walking distances are within the ability of most regular walkers. However should members of the group decide to skip a day we will provide transport to your next hotel. All our holidays include luggage transfers each day so you can enjoy your walk without having to carry a heavy pack. Booking accommodation is by far the biggest challenge when organising a walking holiday. We have listed some of the better hotels and inns with links to TripAdvisor where you can read customer reviews and check prices and availability. If you like an early start, when booking accommodation check the time breakfast is served in the morning. All should be able to provide packed lunches. For those finishing late, check when evening meals end.

Noel Arms Hotel, Chipping Campden For groups of 6 or more people we can help organise your holiday and provide support services during your walk. These include group transport, luggage and group transfers each day, first aid support and an accommodation booking service. Luggage Transfers Your bags are collected each morning and moved between hotels and inns leaving you to enjoy each day without having to carry a heavy pack. Group Transport With our minibuses and trailers we can transport your group and luggage from your home or airport to the start and back again at the end. Hotel Reservations Due to the shortage of accommodation, especially during the summer months, finding rooms for a group can be difficult. Our accommodation booking service can help. Trail Support For groups we can provide trail support. A driver and minibus will provide assistance when needed. Your luggage, hot and cold drinks and food will be available in the vehicle. Guiding Navigation along the footpath is straightforward but some groups enjoy having a local guide walk with them to provide help, encouragement and local information. Local Transfers On long days walking distances can be reduced by descending to a road. We will then meet you and provide minibus transport to your accommodation.

The closest train stations to Chipping Campden are at Moreton-in-Marsh, Honeybourne and Evesham. All have services to London Paddington and Hereford. We can collect your group from the train station and drop you in Chipping Camden. Many visitors to the UK like to spend some time in Stratford-upon-Avon at the start or end of their trip. We can provide transport between Stratford and Chipping Camden. At just over half way along the trail the small town of Stroud has a train station with connections to Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and London Paddington. The city of Bath is on the London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads railway line. For groups driving to Chipping Campden, at the end of your walk we can collect you from Bath and drop you back at your car. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes although this varies depending on the time of day. Tell us about the trip you are planning and the services that you would like us to provide. We will then confirm availability of accommodation and vehicles and provide prices. Holiday

Question: The Cotswold Way runs from Chipping Camden to which city?
Answer: BATH